ABOUT CAREER GEAR HOUSTON
Who are we? Career Gear Houston (hereafter referred to as CGH), founded in 2004, is the newest affiliate of the national Career Gear organization founded in New York, NY in 1998. Career Gear is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with affiliates in Miami, Florida; Cleveland, Ohio; and now Houston, Texas.
What do we do? The mission of CGH is to strive to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged job seeking men by providing interview-appropriate clothing, motivation and follow-up support that helps them obtain and retain a job. CGH exists to fill a gap that social service/job training programs are faced with once they have prepared their clients for the job search process, i.e., something appropriate to wear on a job interview.
What types of service does Career Gear Houston provide its clients? Clients are treated to a private appointment in which they receive interview-appropriate clothing, under clothes and hygiene items (when available), and a comprehensive guidebook on how to effectively prepare for job interviews, nonverbal communication skills, and career advancement.
How does clothing and personal appearance make a difference in the business world? Clothing is a universal preparation device and resource for employment. As a result, it is an essential piece of the job-preparation puzzle. A professional appearance promotes confidence, self-esteem, and dignity. It also contributes to making a positive impression and communicates a readiness for employment.
Where does the clothing come from? Through the generosity of clothing companies such as The Men’s Warehouse and Suit Mart. A portion of the clothing we provide our clients is new. Career Gear Houston receives the majority of its gently used clothing from the local community.
How does Career Gear Houston help men attain employment? Dressing professionally is a life skill people need in the business world. Through Career Gear Houston, men served are able to more effectively prepare for their upcoming interviews and employment. Their professional look is a real self-esteem booster.
Who is eligible for Career Gear Houston’s services? Low-income men who are referred by local social service/employment agencies are eligible for services. Career/employment counselors who are working with these men to help them secure employment make the appointments for their clients. Men cannot access our services without a referral. Career Gear also serves boys ages 16 and 17 who are participants in employment related programs. They too must be referred by an employment counselor.
Do the men served pay for the clothing? No, clients do not pay for their outfits.
Does Career Gear Houston only serve men? With nonprofit organizations in the greater Houston area already providing clothing and appearance services to low-income women, Career Gear Houston is the first organization in the area whose sole mission is to serve men in such a capacity.
What types of organizations can apply for Career Gear Houston’s services? Career Gear Houston accepts referrals from nonprofit organizations that assist low-income men in preparing for employment. Most often, our referral partners are job-training, job-placement, and employment service provider organizations.
How are we doing? From our inception in June, 2004 through March 2007 (on a part-time volunteer basis) CGH has ‘suited’ over 1,500 job-seeking men. |
